Here’s To Your Health Dog Treat Recipe

by Amy Tokic

Updated: March 3rd, 2022 Published: August 16th, 2013

It’s Nutrition Month here at PetGuide and we wanted to give you a recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious. And we think our Here’s To Your Health Dog Treat Recipe fits the bill on both accounts. Brewer’s yeast is often considered one of nature’s “wonder foods” because of its remarkable health benefits. It’s a natural source of vitamin B complex and contains concentrated amounts of protein and other vitamins and minerals. Flax seeds add Omega-3 essential fatty acids, Lignans and fiber into the mix. This recipe also features eggs, oats and cheese – all yummy and healthy ingredients your dog will love.

Here’s To Your Health Dog Treat Recipe

Makes 30-40 Cookies

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups rolled oats

3/4 cup flax seeds

2/3 cup brewer’s yeast

1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup brown rice flour

2 cups oat flour

2 tablespoons honey

1 3/4 cups chicken broth

2 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F
Combine oats, flax seed, brewer’s yeast, cheese, rice flour, oat flour and honey in a large bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk chicken broth and eggs, then add to oat mixture. This should make a stiff dough.
Roll dough into 1 inch balls, then flatten into discs (this dough is sticky, so cutting them with a cookie cutter is difficult). Place on non-stick cookie sheets.
Bake 40-45 minutes, until dry and the edges turn a light golden brown.
Place on cooling racks before giving them to your dog.

How did these turn out for you? Take a picture and put it on our Facebook page or leave a comment down below.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Why Treats Are Beneficial to Your Dog’s Health and Well-Being

The right treat can motivate while supporting your dog’s health and well-being. Know what type of treat will help nourish and nurture your pooch. Treats are more than spoiling our dogs; it’s about reinforcing good behavior, giving your pooch a little something special for a job well done and offering him a taste and texture he’s not used to. You want to give him a treat that’s good for him, and because treats should make up less than 10 percent of a pet’s diet, you need to choose wisely. With so many brands and types of treats out there to choose from, it’s difficult to know where to start. Here’s a guide to choosing the perfect treats to promote your dog’s overall well-being. Reward Positive Behavior: When used correctly, treats are a highly effective way to promote and reward positive behavior. Because a dog’s sense of smell is so keen, a treat will engage your dog both mentally and physically. When using treats for training, you need to keep calm so your dog keeps calm – a fabulous smelling treat is exciting and will divert his attention. Positive reinforcement helps your dog focus on the cue given, and takes patience by both the pet parent and pooch in order to be effective. By working together and establishing a consistent training routine with your dog, treats and praise will help reinforce favorable behavior. Dental Health: Just like us, dogs can suffer from dental problems. Tartar, plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath are the most common canine dental issues. Dental dog treats are designed to support teeth and gum health and can be a great addition to your dog’s dental health routine. Active chewers can have less plaque build-up; dental dog treats are made with unique textures that get them to chew in different ways that can help combat tartar and promote gum health. By working with your veterinarian, you’ll be able to establish a healthy and positive dental health routine that includes dental treats. Busy Chewers: Looking to soothe doggy boredom? Chews will do the trick! Chews such as bones, antlers, rawhide, and bully sticks keep your dog occupied and out of trouble by keeping them chewing. Another bonus: these types of treats encourage healthy chewing habits, keeping your pooch away from your favorite pair of shoes because he’s more interested in a chew! Healthy Supplements: Some treats do more than just taste great – they also contain supplements that may do your dog’s body a lot of good. If you want to promote healthy joints, look for treats that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Dry skin and coats may benefit with a treat that includes Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Some treats contain a natural lavender scent that can help promote a calm attitude and soothe anxiety. Gluten and Grain Free: If you live in a gluten- or grain-free household, there are treats that will be welcome in your pantry. For pet parents, gluten- and grain-free dog treats can be a lifestyle decision or because of a human family member’s allergy. Going with a gluten- and grain-free dog treat is an appealing choice for any pet parent who’s concerned with food sensitivities in both humans and dogs. No matter what type of treat you’re looking for, Petco carries it. Visit Petco’s Dog Treats & Chews section for awesome treats at a great price, and let your dog know how much you love him!

UK Dog Is Recovering After 130+ Coins Were Removed From His Stomach

Missing any cash? An owner from Swindon in the UK did and was shocked when he discovered how his money went missing. The vets were equally shocked because they discovered that Charlie, the little  Bichon Frise, had eaten 133 coins, equalling more than £18!The mischievous little Bichon was taken to Thameswood Vets in Swindon, after the owners became concerned for his health, thinking he was ill. Their doubts proved true. A quick ultrasound revealed an obvious obstruction in the pet’s tummy. At first, the vet thought it was a piece of plastic, and scheduled an operation to remove the obstruction. But the surgery left him shocked. "It was a surprise for everybody,"  said vet Matheus Nerone, who carried out the surgery. Because once the stomach was opened, a “hoard” of 133 coins was discovered, adding up to £18 and 20 pence. "We opened his stomach and found 133 coins inside him," Dr. Nerone explained. "We did find some pieces of plastic there as well - but the owners had no idea that he had eaten the coins."Everyone was left scratching their head, wondering how on earth did Charlie ingest so many coins. "I don't think they had been there that long - maybe the night or two nights before he came in - because of the size of the obstruction there.” the Dr. said. "He felt sick so if he had eaten those coins a few days ago, he would have been sick before then."Of course, the doctor revealed that it is not uncommon for dogs to  ingest all sorts of things, especially loose change. "It does happen but usually they stop after having a couple of them [coins] - but 133 coins is an impressive amount!"Luckily, the surgery went well, and mischievous little Charlie is now making a good recovery. Thanks to the owner’s keen eye, a real tragedy was prevented, as Charlie could have been in big trouble without quick attention. "Many coins contain zinc which can be poisonous and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite," Dr. Nerone clarified. "We are monitoring his blood, but we are hopeful that everything's going to be fine."So next time you’re missing some change, consider all the possibilities!

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AI Could Match You with a New Furry Friend Based on Personality

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Pandemic Puppies Are Behaving Badly, Study Shows

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With the news of the recent American Bully XL ban in the UK, conversations around dog muzzles have been popping up all over social media. The growing discussion has opened the door for dog owners in the United States to consider the benefits of using a muzzle for their own dogs for many reasons, including scavenging, reactivity, and even short-term use for veterinary and grooming appointments. But with so many different styles of muzzle on the market, how do you choose the best muzzle for your dog? We have you covered! In this guide, we will discuss the different muzzle types available, what each type is best suited for, and the proper fit of a dog muzzle. Plus, I will share which muzzle we currently use with our reactive dog, Lucifer, and why. Let’s get started… Things to Consider When Shopping for a Muzzle for Your Dog When selecting a muzzle for your dog, there is no singular “best option” that will work for every dog and situation. On one hand, this can be frustrating as it leaves you feeling overwhelmed navigating the wide assortment of options. On the other hand, it means you can purchase a muzzle uniquely suited for your dog’s needs. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision: MaterialThere are several materials to consider when shopping for a muzzle, including metal, plastic, rubber, vinyl, leather, Biothane, fabric, silicone, and more. To determine the best option for your dog, there are a few critical deciding factors: Do you need a muzzle that can prevent a determined dog from biting? Will your dog be wearing the muzzle outdoors in the elements? Is weight a factor for your dog? Does your dog engage in “muzzle punching” when wearing a muzzle (ramming into people with the muzzle)? Will your dog likely shove the muzzle into the dirt while trying to smell the ground? It is important to note that most muzzles are not considered “bite-proof.” This means they shouldn’t be relied on to prevent a bite from occurring. If you are muzzling as a safety precaution due to a bite risk, the best options are vinyl or wire basket muzzles. Ease of Use Like harnesses and collars, some dogs make fastening a muzzle easy, while others can make the process a challenge. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the muzzle or aren’t properly conditioned to the muzzle. For example, if our boy Lucifer is overly excited about going somewhere, he sometimes gets the zoomies. He usually will stand still to let us buckle his muzzle, but it’s hard to control the zoomies when they hit! A muzzle with a quick-release buckle will be your best option if that sounds familiar. This is faster to secure than a traditional threaded buckle. Airflow One primary concern for those considering muzzling their dogs is the airflow that they will offer, and for good reason! This is especially important if your dog is going to be active while wearing the muzzle. Wire basket muzzles are often a favorite for high-energy dogs, allowing for uninterrupted airflow and making it easy for your dog to drink while wearing it. In comparison, leather and Biothane muzzles, especially those designed to prevent scavengers from being able to pick up “goodies” on their walks, generally limit airflow. Carefully consider your dog’s lifestyle and the situations where a muzzle may be needed.

Dog Facial Recognition App Helps Scientists Fight Against Rabies

In countries where dogs aren’t microchipped, don’t wear tags, and usually run free, it’s challenging for authorities to determine which dog has already been vaccinated for rabies. A new mobile phone app could help improve rabies vaccination by identifying dogs using facial recognition technology.A team of researchers from Washington State University tested the app’s effectiveness in a rabies vaccination clinic in Tanzania, where they microchipped, vaccinated, and registered dogs. The idea behind this project is to take a picture of a dog’s face during initial vaccination. Then the picture needs to be entered into the database via the app, along with other important information, such as the dog’s age, sex, and coat color. When veterinarians return to the same area, they will take a facial photo of each dog they come across. If the app finds a close match in the database, it will notify the vet, who can then decide whether the vaccinated dog in the database is indeed the same dog they are currently examining. A vaccination team testing the app visited nine villages in Tanzania, where they photographed and vaccinated 1,420 dogs. After the initial check, 20 images were deemed unusable, leaving exactly 1,400 to work with. All of these photographs were added to the app’s database.Later, a different validation team visited the same villages, assessing 720 dogs via the app, not knowing which dogs were already vaccinated, and entered into the app’s database. Once again, some photos were deemed unusable for the study - 161 were rejected.Using those images, the app helped the team to correctly identify 76.2% of vaccinated dogs and 98.9% of unvaccinated dogs. These findings were confirmed using microchips that were implanted under the dogs’ skin when they were vaccinated, as part of the study.“Because domestic dogs are the main reservoir for human rabies, controlling human rabies globally requires the mass vaccination of dogs,” said Felix Lankester, WSU Associate Professor and the lead investigator of the study. Scientists are working to optimize the app’s registration process to minimize the number of rejected photos. “When carrying out mass vaccination, one of the major problems that we face is trying to identify which dogs have and haven’t been vaccinated. For example, microchips are too expensive to use at the scale needed to eliminate rabies, and collars can be removed by owners. We developed this app to see if facial recognition might work, and it’s showing great promise in helping us achieve that goal,” Professor Lankester added. The facial recognition algorithm used by the app is developed in collaboration with Canadian company PiP My Pet. It identifies a dog by looking at key features of its face and comparing it to previously stored photos of the faces of other dogs. Photos with the highest number of similar features are shown as possible matches, leaving it to the user to pick the right one.The app’s success depends on the image quality and information about each dog being properly recorded. Before unusable images and incorrect information about dogs were removed from the database, users were only able to match around 65% of the vaccinated dogs.For the time being, users must be online to use the app’s facial matching feature, but Lankester and his team are working to make the app operational even offline. “We’re not quite there yet, but I think with the investment, the technology can get there. I am excited by its potential,” Lankester said.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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